Youth Heart Screenings

Youth Heart Screenings

Centegra Health System provides youth cardiac screenings to McHenry County high schools as a part of mutual effort to ensure the heart health of the students in our community.

Between 3,000 and 6,000 youths die each year from sudden cardiac death in the United States. During sudden cardiac death the athlete quickly collapses, loses consciousness and ultimately dies unless normal heart rhythm is restored using an automated external defibrillator (AED).

Sudden cardiac death is the result of an unexpected failure of proper heart function, usually during or immediately after exercise without trauma. During sudden cardiac death the athlete quickly collapses, loses consciousness and ultimately dies unless normal heart rhythm is restored using an automated external defibrillator (AED).

What is an EKG Screening?

The Electrocardiography (EKG) screening includes a risk questionnaire and an EKG screening. The EKG is a snapshot of the heart that detects markers for some causes of sudden cardiac death.

If a teen’s EKG shows risk factors, an echocardiogram screening (a type of ultrasound)will be conducted onsite that same day. A physician who will be at the screening will provide follow-up with parents if abnormalities are detected.

What is the Cost?

A nominal fee of $5 per student helps offset some of the costs of providing this critical screening

How Do I Access these Screenings?

Centegra partners with youth sports leagues and schools to provide these screenings. If you think your child’s school or team would benefit from these screenings, please ask your child’s school or coach to contact Centegra Health System’s Wellness department at 815-788-2269 and press 5 at the prompt.

$85 Echo Heart Screening for Teens

The Centegra Wellness on the Move mobile health unit offers ECHO heart screenings designed for teenagers. This screening is an ultrasound of the heart and can help detect heart defects and abnormalities, even when no symptoms are present. Teen Echo Screenings are available on select dates each month.

To schedule an ECHO heart screening for your teen, follow the steps below: